The Most Powerful Luxury Brands Rolex

Rolex is arguably the most popular name in watches -- certainly when it comes to luxury watches. Classically Swiss, since 1915 Rolex has been producing watches designed for comfort, function and style. Today, Rolex is one of the most powerful luxury brands in the world working hard to retain its status. Rolex focuses on a few key watch lines that are quickly recognizable and highly desired the world over. Image aside, Rolex watches have a reputation for being very well manufactured lasting decades or more with simple care.

The first self-winding Rolex watch was offered to the public in 1931, powered by an internal mechanism that used the movement of the wearer's arm. This not only made watch-winding unnecessary, but eliminated the problem of over-winding a watch and harming its mechanism. Rolex was also the first watch company to create a truly waterproof watch — another milestone from novelty to functional timepiece.

The founder of Rolex, Wilsdorf even went so far as to have a specially made Rolex watch attached to the side of the Trieste bathyscaphe, which went to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The watch survived and tested as having kept perfect time during its descent and ascent. This was confirmed by a telegram sent to Rolex the following day saying "Am happy to confirm that even at 11,000 meters your watch is as precise as on the surface.

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Where Did Rolex Come From?

In 1905 Hans Wilsdorf established a company in London who were to specialise in the development and production of watches. Three years later he chose Rolex as the brand name for his watches. This was because it was short enough to fit easily on the dial of a watch and was also easily pronounceable in most European languages.

Switzerland in 1910 saw a Rolex watch be the first wristwatch to ever receive a chronometer certification and this was followed in 1914 by a Kew Observatory award, an honour which was previously only given to marine chronometers.

The famous oyster case was launched in 1926. This made the watch totally waterproof, a fact which was proven the following year when Wilsdorf enlisted Mercedes Gleitze to help endorse his product. Gleitze swam the English Channel wearing the Rolex watch and this created an awful lot of publicity resulting in many other famous names of the time endorsing the product.

The perpetual motor, a self winding mechanism, which is now a staple element of Rolex watches, was launched in 1931. Fifteen years on and Rolex were still improving on their designs, launching the first watch to also display the date - the Oyster Perpetual Datejust.

Branching out slightly, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner was launched in 1953. This watch was able to withstand water to a depth of 100 metres. These types of watch were usually only manufactured by specialist marine chronologists and for a standard watch-maker to do this was quite impressive.

The next 6 years saw Rolex launch new models of watch, including one which allows the wearer to read the time in two different time zones at once, and one which showed the day of the week as well as the date. In 1959 Rolex sponsored its first sporting event, forging a relationship with the Daytona International Speedway.

1963 saw the advent of a new face at the heart of Rolex. Andre J. Heiniger was to be the driving force behind the company's success for the next thirty years. The first major change to the company under Heiniger was the move to new headquarters in Geneva. The building was designed with all of the trademarks of Rolex in mind. These include accuracy, precision and beauty. The building was also surrounded by water to represent the oyster case used in the watches.

Heiniger launched the Rolex Awards for Enterprise in 1976 to mark the 50th anniversary of the invention of the oyster case. He also felt the awards would aid to increased recognition of human endeavour which is set to change the way the world works.

30 years after Rolex first appeared in America they opened an office on Fifth Avenue in 1977. Then, in 1979, Rolex became the official timekeeper at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in London.

Heiniger handed over the Chief Executive Officer position in 1992 to his son, Patrick Heiniger. In 2002 he launched a new initiative scheme, The Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative. This was to ensure that the world's artistic heritage was passed down from one generation to the next. Since this time, Rolex have launched one new model of watch, the Rolex Prince, based on a design from the 1920's.

With such a long history of excellence, it is guaranteed to be only a matter of time before Rolex make the next big innovation in the field of wristwatch development.

Source: ArticleCirlce - Stevegink

Why Are Rolex So Expensive?

In order for a Rolex watch to be made available for sale it has to go through a ten step manufacturing process. Each one of these stages ensures that the watch meets the highest quality standards and will withstand the rigorous testing that Rolex requires.

The first component of the watch is that it is made waterproof. Back in 1926 Rolex made the world's first waterproof watch, the Oyster model. Now they use this technology in all of their models and continue to develop it to withstand even more extreme conditions, depths and temperatures of water.

The perpetual rotor is a vital element in the Rolex. It is a mechanical device which fits inside the watch and which utilises the wearer's movements to create and transmit energy in to the mainspring. This maintains the tension in the timepiece, ensuring the continued functionality of the watch.

The movement of the watch is contained in what Rolex call the oyster case. This is formed from a single block of metal and is similar to a miniature safe as it is virtually impenetrable.

The oyster case is covered by the case back. This is screwed on to the oyster case using a special locking device to ensure that it is watertight and will not work itself loose.

The knob used to wind the watch, embossed with the Rolex crown, fits snugly on to the watch and creates a seal around itself similar to that of a submarine hatch. This prevents water and dust from entering the watch and so helps to maintain the long life of it.

All of Rolex's watches are made from only the highest quality materials. Whether that be metal or precious stone, it is guaranteed to have passed the intense testing to ensure the quality is to the standards Rolex will accept.

Before the watch is tested by Rolex for its quality levels it is sent to the COSC, where it is studied, examined and tested for 15 days and nights to check that it can receive their seal of approval. They are looking primarily to ensure the watch will maintain reliability under the most extreme of conditions.

Once COSC have approved the watch it returns to Rolex for further quality control testing. This is done at every stage of the watches manufacture and each individual component is tested along the way, as well as the finished product.

The penultimate component of the Rolex watch is the Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer. This is the self-winding movement used solely by Rolex for their watches and it takes over a year to construct each one.

Finally, Rolex carry out their own intensive testing on the watch before it is sent to be sold. This testing places the watch in extreme conditions of temperature, depth and environment to check its mechanical excellence, as well as checking it for aesthetic discrepancies.

These elements all combine to create a watch which is to an exceptionally high standard, both in terms of the quality of its mechanisms and design levels. Only then are Rolex satisfied that it can be sold with their name on it.

Source: ArticleCirlce - Stevegink

How To Choose A Watch As A Gift

Gifting of watches is not a simple thing, it is symbolic of the passing of responsibility or the remembrance of someone who is no more. Watches are special gifts that is always considered classy and elegant. Finding the right watch can be a daunting task. Here are tips on how to choose a watch as a gift.

1. Think of the person you're going to gift a watch. It's better if the watch you're going to give functions more than just a timepiece. Is that person a swimmer? A skier? An outdoor enthusiast? The you could give a watch that can withstand environmental wear and tear? If you're gifting to a person who appreciates fashion. Then consider fashion watches, they will appreciate it if it comes in their favorite colors.

2. Watches can be mechanical wind-up, self-winding, and quartz. Of the three, quartz if battery powered.

3. Think of any of these extra features: alarm, thermometer, a heartbeat monitor, water resistance, stopwatch function, illuminator, compass, altimeter, barometer and the original watch band.

4. Be sure the watch band is a comfortable fit.

5. Look in custom shops for one-of-a-kind watch styles, they are more unforgettable than designer watches for their uniqueness.

6. Check for return policies and guarantee policies. That will be useful in case the recipient desires another model.

7. There a wide array of watches out there. Gift Certificates are useful if you're not sure which model the recipient likes.

8. If you're on a budget, set a ceiling amount and shop within that range. Top quality sports watches range from $100 to $200.

9. To give your gift a personal touch you could also have the watch engraved with the person's name. Before you wrap your watch, be sure you've set it to the correct time. You might also want to include an extra watch band.

10. If you're gifting a kid, consider watches that have cartoon characters on them. Surely their faces will light up once they open you're gift.

Source: ArticleBlast - Claude Kinney

*Do you have a Rolex watch you want to sell? Sell My Watch

Best Sport Watches - How To Find The Best

Watches can be a number of different things. They can be sparkly, elegant, filled with luxury and don't forget about sporty. For those of you out there that are looking for the best sport watches, you have made a good decision. By choosing a sports watch, we believe you have good taste. However, we are sure you will need some pointers at choosing that watch. Take note that just because it is a sports watch does not mean that it is not going to be fashionable. The truth is that there are many fashionable watches out there that are also sporty. Those sports watches will do a bit more than tell the time.

When it comes to choosing that sports watch, the best one is going to determine on the features you need. You should choose a watch that has the basic features if you are not purchasing it for a specific sport. Those features include stopwatch function, illuminator, original band, timer and water resistance. Also, don't forget about the alarm functions on the watch.

For those of you that would like more advanced features, you can also find watches that have a compass, thermometer, altimeter and data-link features. Could you imagine actually having a watch on your wrist that is also a thermometer? Today, due to the advancements in technology, they are able to make watches really cool.

Just because it is a sports watch does not mean that they are made specifically for men. The truth is that many women prefer these types of watches. These watches can be used by anyone from divers and runners to bikers and surfers.

Take note that there are sports watches that are made for men, then there are sports watches that are made for women.

When you are purchasing these devices, you should make sure you find somewhere that is reliable. You should also check with the guarantee as well as the return policies that is offered. Many places will allow you to return the watch if you do not like it, as long as you have the receipt.

If you are buying this watch as a gift for someone in your life and you are not sure what model they would like, then you could always hand them a gift certificate to the watch store. Trying out sports watches that are made by different manufactures can be a bit frustrating. With that in mind, you could always read online reviews.

Source: ArticleBiz by Jeannie Wu

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The History Of Tissot Watches

When people hear the word "Tissot" they may not immediately recognize it as a watch brand, but that it is. Tissot was founded in 1853 by Charles-Felicien Tissot and his son Charles-Emile who set up shop in Switzerland.

Known as "innovators by tradition", Tissot has achieved many "firsts" in the watchmaking industry. In the first year of its existence, Tissot created the first mass-produced pocket watch
and the first pocket watch that showed two different time zones. In 1929, the company introduced the first anti-magnetic watch.

Tissot has been known to make watches out of bizarre materials such as plastic and wood. In 1971 the company produced an all plastic watch called the IDEA 2201. In 1985 they came out with an all stone one called Alpine Granite Rock watch, an all mother of pearl piece in 1987 and one made entirely of wood, aptly called the Wood Watch in 1988.


It is common practice among watch brands to partner with and sponsor events that draw the same type of customer as the watch brand itself does. Tissot, being a maker of high-precision sports watches has since 2005, partnered with NASCAR to be the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of this all 'American car racing series. Tissot has long been involved with motor racing and promises to continue bettering the experience for the 75 million fans that watch NASCAR on TV and the 6 million that attend live races. As part of this partnership Tissot has created a series of seven special NASCAR watches including: the T-Touch NASCAR, the T-Race NASCAR, the T-Tracx NASCAR, and the PR 50 Chronograph NASCAR among others.

NASCAR racing isn't the only sport that Tissot has a long history with. Part of the appeal of Tissot watches is that it is broad and extends to many countries and people with different interests. The only common denominator is that both these watches and the audiences that they seek to please both enjoy the "values of precision, innovation, performance and prestige." Other sport partnerships include that of dirt bike racing, cycling, ice hockey and motor bike racing and fencing.


Since 1983 Tissot has been a member of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch producer and distributor. Swatch watches, Tissot watches and Omega watches will very much be in the international headlines just in time for the 2016 summer Olympics in Brazil. Omega, also owned by Swatch, is the official timekeeper for the Olympics and Swatch will be investing $100 million dollars in Brazil along with opening a new Swatch watch store.

Tissot has a number of ambassadors that cover all the fields of sports and geographic locations that Tissot partners with and is interested in attracting. Indy race car driver Danica Patrick may be the most well-known Ambassador as she has catapulted to international fame and done some high profile photo shoots for Tissot watches. Nicky Hayden, American MotoGP Rider, Michael Owen, English Footballer, Barbie Hsu, Taiwanese Actress, Deepika Padukone, Indian actress and model, Margherita Granbassi, winner of the 2006 World Fencing Championship and Steven Stamkos, Canadian professional ice hockey player are other young, talented faces in their arenas.


Tissot is also lucky that it can still bank on the fact that the below famous people have worn Tissot watches: Sarah Bernhardt, Carmen Miranda, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly, and Nelson Mandela. Did you know that? Might make you reconsider a Tissot watch for yourself!

Source: ArticleAlley by WatchOnNet